Hidden Foodie Gems in Singapore’s Heartlands That Have Our Vote

If your calendar revolves around brunch plans and your camera roll is 90 per cent food screenshots, this one’s for you. We’ve done the legwork (and MRT transfers) to bring you 28 shiok makan spots across Singapore – from rooftop cafes in Hillview (that’s in Upper Bukit Timah, no shame if you’ve never been) to garden-side gelato. Big vibes only. Mid meals? Never heard of them.

WHERE TO EAT IN THE NORTH

TEHUS COFFEE

Thus Coffee is a neighborhood hideaway tucked along a quiet Upper Thomson stretch, drawing regulars with its calm, minimalist interiors and no-frills brunch fare. Wood furnishings and a mellow playlist set the tone for slow mornings, while the menu leans hearty and comforting — think Pulled Pork & Scramble Croissants, classic Fish & Chips, and chunky chicken stew. Their coffee, roasted in-house, is the main event, with options like the Piccolo or your standard Long Black and Espresso. FYI, bottled cold brews are also available if you’re hankering for a midday treat at your convenience.  

Address: 4 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577723

Contact: @thuscoffee on Instagram

WOODY FAMILY CAFE

Woody Family Cafe feels more like a fever dream than your typical brunch spot – and that’s exactly why it’s worth the trek to Sembawang. Step inside and you’ll find a kaleidoscope of retro memorabilia: neon lights, Chinese lanterns, vintage guitars, and Elvis posters all jostling for attention. But behind the chaos is a menu that’s just as bold, offering playful, Peranakan-inspired plates built on generations of family recipes. Think duck rendang with a splash of red wine, tom yum prawn pasta laced with kaffir lime and coconut, or their cult-fave assam pork knuckle—a fatty, tender bombshell cut with tangy spice. The Buffalo Wings are also worth a shout, especially if you’re brave enough to try the “Towering Inferno” heat level.

Address: 12F Andrews Avenue, Singapore 759930

Contact: https://woodyfamilycafe.com.sg 

LOLA'S CAFE

A mainstay in the Kovan ‘hood, Lola’s Cafe is the kind of brunch spot you can always count on – for vibey interiors, reliable bakes, and that one friend who’s always suggesting it. Their Honey Paprika Crispy Wings are legendary: fried till golden and glazed with just the right amount of sweet heat. The Pulled Pork & Avocado Eggs Benedict comes plated like an edible sunrise, stacked with smokey pulled pork, creamy avo, melty hollandaise, and soft brioche that soaks everything up. Make a reservation unless you like to take risks. 

Address: 5 Simon Road, Singapore 545893

Contact: @lolascafesg on Instagram 

THE URBAN HIDEOUT

This cozy cafe near Springleaf is where you go when you want brunch, gelato, and your pet in tow. The Urban Hideout keeps things casual with warm lights, exposed brick walls, and a menu that leans playful – think Nyonya curry chicken rice sitting alongside truffle pasta and Eggs Benedict waffles. The latter is a sleeper hit: a thick, crispy waffle base topped with runny poached eggs and smoky hollandaise, served with optional smoked salmon. Your furry friends are also welcome indoors, and there’s even a pet food menu featuring meatballs, beef cubes, and handmade patties. It’s low-key, family-friendly, and an unexpected gem in the far North.

Address: 60 Springside Walk, #01-05 The Brooks I, Singapore 786020

Contact: @theurbanhideoutsg on Instagram

5 BY SANS FACON

If your ideal brunch looks like French country charm tucked away in a colonial black-and-white bungalow, Five by Sans Façon is the dream. Hidden in leafy Seletar Aerospace Park, this serene cafe is armed with a menu that feels personal, elegant, and comforting all at once. The starters impress – like the 5 Signature Beef Tartare that features hand-cut tenderloin, seasoned with their signature 5-spice blend and served with sourdough – and mains like the Traditional French Bouillabaisse (fish soup with sea bass, mussels, clams, prawns, potatoes and carrots) don’t hold back on indulgence. Desserts are freshly made on rotation, so you’d have to check what’s good when you arrive. 

Address: 5 The Oval, Singapore 797863

Contact: @5bysansfacon on Instagram

WHERE TO EAT IN THE SOUTH

DESERT DESSERT

Despite its slightly confusing name, Desert Dessert makes its message clear: this Redhill cafe is all about sweet endings done in style. The minimalist space – with rattan stools, warm lighting, and a faux-living-room corner – feels like someone’s very aesthetic home, and that’s exactly the vibe. Gelato is the main draw, with flavours ranging from the familiar (Earl Grey Lavender) to fun picks like Green Apple Yakult and Rum & Raisin. Their waffles are excellent too: crisp on the outside, soft inside, and fragrant with vanilla and buttermilk. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the bingsu or the Spicy Korean Chicken Waffle – sweet, spicy, and crunchy in all the right ways. 

Address: 63B Lengkok Bahru, #01-350, Singapore 152063

Contact: @desertdessert.sg on Instagram

CAFE FUFU

Wood-fired pizza under an HDB block? CafE Fufu – a cosy, terracotta-toned eatery that’s putting sourdough crusts and open flames front and centre. At the heart of the space is a Gozney oven imported from Italy, fired up daily to deliver blistered, smoky pies like the signature Pizza Fufu, which swaps out tomato for coriander pesto and comes topped with tiger prawns, semi-dried tomatoes, and chilli flakes. The texture? A crispy edge with a satisfyingly chewy base that proves they know what they’re doing with dough. Pasta and small plates like roasted cauliflower with parmesan and chickpea puree round out the savoury menu. End with the crowd-pleasing Six-Minute Tiramisu – assembled tableside with espresso, cognac and mascarpone – or go full decadent with the Valrhona chocolate fudge.

Address: 63B Lengkok Bahru, #01-362, S152063

Contact: @fufu.sg on Instagram

SIYUAN DESSERTS

Welcome to Siyuan Desserts, a quietly enchanting space in Jalan Besar where old-school sweets and soft Chinese instrumental music set the mood. Oriental in more than just theme, the space features round moon windows overlooking racks of Mandarin gowns – and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a seamstress mid-stitch. The menu celebrates traditional Chinese tong sui (sweet soup served as a dessert at the end of a meal) but without the overly saccharine formulas of yesteryear. Think: smooth, gently nutty black sesame paste, velvety orh nee (yam paste) with ginkgo nuts, and a soothing almond cream that lingers lightly on the palate. For something cooling, there’s chendol with smoky gula melaka or a nostalgic mango sago, both thicker and creamier than usual. Diners can opt for the 3 Mini Bowls set to sample multiple flavours – a great entry point if you're new to Chinese desserts.

Address: 111D King George's Avenue, Singapore 208559

Contact: @siyuan.tangshuipu on Instagram

OLD HABITS CAFE

If you grew up with Ultraman, tin robots, and rotary phones, Old Habits Cafe might just hit you right in the nostalgia. Tucked inside SAFRA Mount Faber, this vintage-themed café feels more like a time capsule than a brunch spot – walls are decked with old-school game consoles, retro toys, and enough metal signs to fill a museum. The menu is no slouch either: expect hearty Western-style plates at budget-friendly prices, from chunky beef bolognese to portobello mushroom sandwiches. 

Address: #01-04 SAFRA Mount Faber, 2 Telok Blangah Way, Singapore 098803

Contact: @oldhabitssg on Instagram

WHERE TO EAT IN THE EAST

BORED TACOS

Retro signage, neon trinkets, and tacos that mean business – Bored Tacos is anything but boring. The stars of this Muslim-owned taqueria are the birria beef tacos, slow-cooked to fall-apart perfection and served with a side of rich consomme for dipping. You’ll also find burrito bowls, quesadillas, and loaded nachos, with proteins ranging from Cajun chicken to lamb and garlic prawns. Sets come with lemonade and mini beef chilli nachos – ideal for a full feast without blowing your budget.

Address: 315 Joo Chiat Road

Contact: @boredtacossg on Instagram

DIFFERENT TASTE CAFE & RESTAURANT

This East Coast stalwart is what happens when a second-gen foodie decides to bring zi char and Peranakan cuisine together under one very unassuming roof. Don’t be fooled by the low-key signage –inside, you’ll find Indonesian belado prawns kissed with wok hei, assam red grouper steeped in a tangy-spicy broth, and honey pork ribs that get a cheeky upgrade with curry leaves and chilli padi. The menu is broad, the seafood is handpicked by the owner each morning, and the belacan is punchy without overpowering. The vibe is classic family-style – casual, no frills, and zero pretense. Come with your parents, your picky aunt, or anyone who loves old-school flavours done with polish.

Address: 111 Frankel Ave, Singapore 458229

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/differenttasterestaurant/?ref=bookmarks&_rdr

REFUEL CAFE

Bedok Reservoir may be known for evening jogs and scenic lakeside walks, but it’s also home to one of the East’s best-value brunch cafés: Refuel Cafe. This corner cafe delivers generous portions of comfort food. The Honey BBQ Ribs, for instance, is a hearty number with slow-cooked ribs slathered in bbq sauce, served with creamy potato and coleslaw salad. Other popular hits include the Salmon Mentaiko Don and the sambal scrambled eggs and grilled prawns served on toast for the Chilli Eggs & Prawns. The food’s not revolutionary, but it’s consistently good – and comforting. Service is straightforward (order at the counter, help yourself to water and cutlery), and the vibe is relaxed enough for solo coffee sips or a casual catch-up with friends. Pro tip: Time your visit around golden hour and stroll the reservoir post-brunch – it’s one of the prettiest views in the East.

Address: #01-3029 Reservoir Village, 744 Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 470744

Contact: @refuelcafesg on Instagram 

WHERE TO EAT IN THE WEST

SUZUKI COFFEE

This Kyoto-inspired cafe may be hidden in the industrial sprawl of Boon Lay, but that only makes it more magical once you arrive. Located above one of Singapore’s oldest roasteries – Suzuki has been in the game since 1979 – the cafe is a tranquil teahouse escape with wooden lattice doors, long benches, and the gentle drip of a bamboo shishi-odoshi fountain in the background. The vibe is full-on Muji-meets-matcha, and the drinks are no less elegant. Coffees here are brewed using freshly roasted single-origin beans, with options like Hokkaido milk lattes and the rare Geisha filter for those chasing nuanced, floral notes.

Address: 8 Chin Bee Avenue, Singapore 619932

Contact: @suzukicoffee on Instagram 

COEXIST COFFEE CO.

Coexist Coffee’s Hillview’s revamped space is all minimalist grey and clean lines, replacing its previous red-and-white split interior with a moodier, more grounded vibe. Thankfully, the food is just as ambitious as ever: their Squid Ink Fried Rice is still the standout, loaded with baby squid, prawns, garlic aioli and ikura, all nestled in a sizzling clay pot. New additions like the Assam Barramundi (with orzo soaked in house-made assam broth) and Herbal Chicken "Rice" (couscous with goji berries and a six-herb marinade) bring a modern local twist to café fare. Add on their Coconut Brew, cold-infused with coconut water for 12 hours, and you’ll leave both caffeinated and impressed. It’s a bit of a climb, but for rooftop views and inventive plates? Worth it.

Address: #07-00 Hillview Building, 48 Hillview Terrace, Singapore 669269

Contact: @coexistcoffee.co on Instagram

EDEN CAFE

Tucked inside the serene Chinese Garden and facing the lake, Eden Cafe is the definition of a peaceful brunch escape. The cafe blends garden views with an eclectic menu that covers local favourites and creative Western plates, from har cheong gai waffles to creamy avocado and codfish pasta. The shrimp paste chicken is crispy and well-seasoned, though the waffles could use more lift. On the local side, their Nyonya mee siam and curry chicken with mantou are comforting picks – nothing too punchy, but great if you’re after something soothing post-walk. Brunch classics also make an appearance (hello, avo toast and sourdough), and their gelato counter tempts with flavours like mao shan wang and sea salt caramel. P.S. Eden Cafe is also halal-certified.

Address: 70B Yuan Ching Road, #01-04 (Chinese Garden)

Contact: @cafeeden_sg on Instagram

THE CARVING BOARD

Hidden beneath an HDB block in Jurong East, The Carving Board is the kind of under-the-radar place that locals swear by for legit steak dinners without the fancy price tag. Here, the Western grill doles out satisfying plates of Grainfed Striploin steak, creamy mushroom risotto, and the Salmon Steak is a standout: perfectly pink, pan-fried to flaky glory, and served with cauliflower purée, fennel, and lemon vinaigrette. Even the Mushroom Soup hits, made from scratch and rich with umami. Just a good chef, quality ingredients, and a spot locals can walk to (in slippers, no less!)

Address: Blk 252 Jurong East Street 24, #01-107, Singapore 600252

Contact: @thecarvingboardsg on Instagram